Plans to turn an empty school into a 20-bed hostel have angered a village community. About 200 people turned up at an emergency meeting called by Heaton residents.

They say Bradford-based Bridge-It Housing “has not thought through” its proposals properly with either business-sense or consideration to the surrounding community. They have set up a website at shawhouse. weebly.com to rally support.

But Bridge-It Housing have hit back saying it is not in the art of deception but describing itself as a successful charity and assuring residents that no “hardened criminals” would be living at the hostel.

Residents have until April 1 to send any objections to Bradford Council.

Resident Elizabeth Hellmich said: “People are understandably worried because no-one knows exactly what Bridge-It’s plans are and exactly who will be living there. They are not being specific and open enough.”

Another resident, Imran Patel, said: “If you look at similar planning applications for hostels in other parts of the country by other housing groups, the paperwork is at least an inch thick. Bridge-It’s doesn’t touch that.

“We want to know what impact their other establishments have had on communities in the city but there seems to be a lack of transparency here. We need proof that we are dealing with a professional body that will operate in a professional manner. Unless this happens we won’t be convinced.”

But Bridge-It director Clinton Griffiths said he felt the community had turned its back on them.

He said despite claims of a lack of consultation, nearest neighbours had been invited to a meeting at Shaw House which attracted about 30 people and where he said he “quite clearly outlined” Bridge-It’s plans in an effort to allay any concerns.

  • Read the full story in Monday's T&A